The best ski resorts in Australia

Skiing isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Australia – perhaps because the largely arid country isn’t commonly associated with snow. However, from the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere to the seemingly endless backcountry of the Snowy Mountains, there’s plenty here for the avid skier.

Australia’s best ski resorts lie within the states of Victoria and New South Wales, and can be reached within a few hours’ drive from Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra. The best time to go is during peak ski season from late July to August, when there’s a good chance of snow coverage.

With four ski villages, Perisher in New South Wales is the largest ski resort not only in Australia but also the Southern Hemisphere. Under a three-hour drive from Canberra, it’s a well-rounded resort with a variety of terrain to cater to skiers of different abilities. The only conceivable reason why you wouldn’t visit is if you aren’t confident with T-bar lifts, because there are tons here – although laughing about your struggles makes for great après ski banter, we say!

The resort also hosts the popular Peak Music Festival every year, and puts on fireworks displays every Tuesday and Saturday night.

Not too far from Perisher, Thredbo is also a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra and is one of the most popular ski resorts among locals. It offers a diverse range of trails, from beginner to advanced, including the five longest runs in the country and the highest vertical drop in Australia. That’s not all the national records Thredbo holds; it also has the highest ski lift Down Under, which whisks intrepid skiers as high as 2037m – where they can then schuss down the mountain or go backcountry.

Off the slopes, the resort hosts a wide range of events, from family fun nights to wild parties. It’s also home to the Thredbo Leisure Centre, where you’ll find a bouldering wall, a heated pool and even an inflatable obstacle course.

Mount Hotham in Victoria is a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne, but as with any resort, it’s always good to factor in extra time for adverse weather conditions. It undoubtedly offers some of Australia’s most challenging ski terrain, including the country’s steepest double black diamond run. When the snow gods deliver, the gnarly bowls and gullies offer an unbeatable ski experience.

Unlike other resorts, the ski village here sits on an alpine ridge rather than at the base of the mountain – perfect if you’re looking for the convenience of ski-in/ski-out accommodation.